US President Donald Trump has called on Iran to “immediately stop their highly paid proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble,” warning of a strong response from Washington if tensions continue to escalate.
“If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Sunday.
According to Fox News, Trump also warned Iran over potential moves in the Strait of Hormuz, saying such steps would trigger a severe US response and cautioning that they could have major consequences for the country.
“You won't even make it back to your f----- country.”
“We may take over the Strait, if we have to,” Trump said.
Collecting tolls from Hormuz
Trump said the United States could take a more direct role in securing the key shipping route, even suggesting Washington could act as what he called a “Guardian Angel” of the strait and impose charges linked to oil transport and take 20 percent of the oil.
“If they don't make a deal, we'll collect tolls,” the US president added.
In the same remarks, he also issued a warning to the Iranian leadership, urging President Masoud Pezeshkian to “better watch his mouth” in his statements, signalling that Washington would maintain leverage if negotiations fail after a 60-day period.
“He better shape up or we’ll take over the rest of the country,” Trump said.
He also argued he would have leverage after the 60-day negotiation period.
“I have a 60-day option and I can do whatever I want after that option,” he said.
